Stubbs relaxed over goalkeeping choice as Hibs prepare for cup semi-final

Alan Stubbs insists he has no concerns over the goalkeeping dilemma he faces ahead of Hibernian's William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee United at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Number one Mark Oxley is suspended after being sent off with only minutes remaining against Inverness in the previous round, leaving 22-year-old Finnish understudy Otso Virtanen, who came on to make his debut against Caley after signing in January, or former Leicester City keeper Conrad Logan as replacements.

The 29-year-old Logan was signed on a short-term deal in March as cover and has not played since featuring for Rochdale against Notts County in December 2014.

However, Stubbs, speaking at the pre-match press conference Hampden Park where he gave the newly-laid pitch the thumbs up, said: "I don't see any problems, it looks good."

"I am not concerned. We have known about it for a number of weeks so it is not as if something has happened a couple of days before the game and you are running around and it has really thrown you.

"We have known about this for weeks now and we have two able goalkeepers.

"Whoever we go with on Saturday will come in and do themselves justice, not matter what."

Stubbs has been unable to give either keeper any game time as Hibs continue to chase Falkirk for second place in the Championship, with the teams drawing 2-2 at Easter Road on Tuesday night.

The former Celtic and Everton defender said: "In an ideal world yes, but I think that it tells you that our league is the most important thing and that (promotion) is what we are trying to achieve.

"The cup is now our priority. We know Ox is going to be suspended for the weekend and it is an opportunity for Otso or Conrad, whoever it is, to come in and perform well."

The loss of two late goals against the 10-men Bairns left the third-placed Leith side, who lost 2-1 to Premiership side Ross County in the League Cup final last month, with only two wins in 11 games in all competitions.

However, Stubbs insists his belief in his players remains rock-solid.

The Englishman said: "Tuesday night for 85 minutes gave me confidence. We have had some good performances but not necessarily good results and we have had a couple of performances that have not been us.

"We have been punished for silly little mistakes and we have to stop that from happening.

"But if you look at the bigger picture we have done a lot of things right

"I will be right behind the players no matter. I will not doubt them. I didn't doubt them in August to February, so why should I doubt them now because form is temporary, quality is permanent and when you have quality it is just a matter of time before that comes back to the fore again."

Aside from Inverness, Hibs have also beaten Premiership sides Aberdeen, Hearts and St Johnstone in cup competitions this season, as well as a 3-0 trouncing of United in the League Cup last November.

Stubbs said: "Our form against all Premiership teams whether it is League or Scottish Cup has been very good so the players don't exactly need any confidence because they are playing Dundee United on Saturday.

"We have only had one defeat against Premiership opposition (County) and I am hoping that stays the same on Saturday."